How do the characters in the story grow and change?

• Describe Sa’s character and why it is essential to the survival of the two women in the wilderness. How does Sa’s character change over the story?
• In what ways does Ch’idzigyaak experience growth?
• What physical challenges must the women learn to overcome? How do the two women experience mental growth?
• How does the tribe experience character growth by the text’s conclusion? How do the men and the Chief each experience a change of heart and understanding? How do the perceptions of the tribe change regarding age discrimination?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may find it beneficial to organize their thoughts by first analyzing the character growth of the two women, then the tribe. A 3-column chart prepared ahead of time in a small group with bulleted notes and chapter citations can aid students when participating in the group discussion. Consider encouraging students to create a written response to guide their thinking as they discuss.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who require additional assistance, consider allowing students to discuss in small groups, analyzing character growth before sharing responses. Sentence starters and sentence frames built in to students’ 3-column charts might be helpful in organizing thoughts and evidence.